COVID calls for changes
By Lynsi Musselman
Albany Independent School District sporting events will look a little different this year as the school is required to follow government guidelines due to COVID-era safety precautions.
Athletic director Ryder Peacock said officials are working continuously to find solutions that are manageable and easy to use.
“The districts are also attempting to work together to provide routines that we can all use, so that each week is not something new,” Peacock explained. “And we’re trying not to over-complicate things.”
AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott met Tuesday with other superintendents in the district to come up with a plan, but no new information was available at press time.
“Obviously, as with anything new, there will be a learning curve,” Peacock said. “Hopefully, there will be a solution that is easy to use and makes this process easier. Needless to say, both players and coaches are excited about having the opportunity to play in front of an Albany crowd.”
Gym Changes
The current solution for AISD indoor facilities is to follow UIL rules and open at 50 percent capacity.
Local administrators are asking players to exit the gym as they complete their games in order to provide the opportunity for parents and family members to watch their athletes play.
If there is room, they will be allowed back in to watch other teams play.
Fans and students not competing will count towards the 50 percent capacity limit as long as they stay in the building.
Also, the student section will no longer be on the west side of the gym.
All fans will sit on the east side as normal, socially distancing based upon each family group.
Visitors will sit in the same spot as before, and all competitors, both home and visiting teams, will sit in the west bleachers behind the players’ seats.
Spectators will only be allowed entrance through the main doors of the gym.
School officials also ask that everyone wash their hands upon entering the gym and periodically while at the event.
Residents of Shackelford County are exempt from wearing masks in public. According to the governor’s mandate (GA-29), masks are only required for counties with 20 or more activities cases.
Peacock suggests checking the school’s Facebook page before traveling out-of-town for a game, or call the opposing school to find out their policies.
The Lady Lions play in Eastland on Saturday, Aug. 22, and the tickets will be pre-ordered online. Search for “ticket sales” at eastland isd.net or click on the links provided on the Albany Athletic Booster Club or Albany Jr/Sr High School Facebook pages. No tickets will be sold at the gate.
The next home volleyball game with be Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m. for JV and 6:30 p.m. for varsity.
AISD administrators encourage all spectators, audiences, fans, and media to maintain a safe environment so athletes can continue competing.
